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U.S. Coast Guard Academy Class of 2013

Graduates Sarah Hohenberger, left, and Joshua Surgeon, right, hug as they come together for the recessional of the 132nd U.S. Coast Guard Academy commencement exercises in New London Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

Newly graduated United States Coast Guard ensign Jessica Ward embraces her father, Col. Stephen Ward, USMC (Ret.), after accepting her commission from him during the 132nd Commencement at the United States Coast Guard Academy Wednesday, May 22, 2013. Vice President Joe Biden delivered the commencement address to the 227 members of the class.

Cadets turn and recognize their parents at the request of Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. during the 132nd U.S. Coast Guard Academy commencement exercises in New London Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

Vice President Joe Biden plants a kiss on the forehead of newly graduated United States Coast Guard ensign Josie Cartaya, left, after helping Cartaya's mother, Col. Christine Cartaya, USAF (Ret.), present her commission during the 132nd Commencement at the United States Coast Guard Academy Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

Rear Admiral Sandra Stosz, superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, gives First Class Cadet Joseph Sullivan-Springhetti a hug after his cadet commencement address with Capt. Jones, assistant superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, during 132nd U.S. Coast Guard Academy commencement exercises in New London Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

Newly graduated United States Coast Guard ensign Matthew Lynne, left, prepares to divest himself of his cadet shoulder boards at the conclusion of the 132nd Commencement at the United States Coast Guard Academy Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

Newly graduated United States Coast Guard ensigns divest themselves of their cadet insignia by tossing caps and shoulder boards into the air at the conclusion of the 132nd Commencement at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

Newly graduated United States Coast Guard ensign Catherine Schmitz, right, hugs her brother Lt. Paul Schmitz, USCG, after accepting the commission from him during the 132nd Commencement at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

A photographer takes a picture of the hats and shoulder boards that landed on the ground after the graduates tossed them in the air at the end of the 132nd U.S. Coast Guard Academy commencement exercises in New London Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

Newly graduated United States Coast Guard ensign Steven Rauch accepts his commission from his father, CDR Steven Rauch, US Navy (Ret.) as Vice President Joe Biden looks-on during the 132nd Commencement at the United States Coast Guard Academy Wednesday, May 22, 2013. Vice President Joe Biden delivered the Commencement Address to the 227 members of the class.

Cadet covers wait for their traditional toss during the 132nd Commencement at the United States Coast Guard Academy Wednesday, May 22, 2013. Vice President Joe Biden delivered the Commencement Address to the 227 members of the class.

Second Class cadets carry the new hats and shoulder boards to tables before the one hundred thirty-second United States Coast Guard Academy commencement exercises in New London for the future graduates to pick up after the ceremony Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

Madeline Ede celebrates as she walks toward the audience after receiving her diploma and commission during the one hundred thirty-second United States Coast Guard Academy commencement exercises in New London, Conn. Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

Patrick O'Donnell makes a face for the camera as he spots family and friends in the crowd as he walks back to his seat after receiving his diploma and commission during the one hundred thirty-second United States Coast Guard Academy commencement exercises in New London, Conn. Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

Jonathon Resch reacts as he spots family and friends in the crowd as he walks back to his seat after receiving his diploma and commission during the one hundred thirty-second United States Coast Guard Academy commencement exercises in New London, Conn. Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

Vice President Joe Biden told the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Class of 2013, "This is not your father's Coast Guard." He told the 227 graduates they will confront challenges unimaginable years ago, from the stateless actors that seek to do great harm, the large growth in piracy and human trafficking and the new need for complicated operations in the Arctic.